Marcos to Metrobank awardees: Continue to be catalysts of change

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday called on awardees of the 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos to continue being catalysts of change in society. 

''To our awardees, continue to be the catalysts of change when you go back now to your communities,'' Marcos said in his speech at the awarding ceremony. 

''Challenge them to dream bigger, to aspire higher, and to take action with the same fervor that you have demonstrated, especially now typhoons and storms are made stronger because of climate change and the challenges become even harder to deal with,'' he added. 

Marcos said the country needs more people like the innovative, selfless, and socially responsible awardees. 

''This is what I have always seen in Filipinos— we never get tired of helping others,'' Marcos said. 

The Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) honored 10 exemplary Filipinos who have gone beyond the call of duty through its career service award, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

Each awardee received a P1 million cash prize, a golden medallion, and the iconic "The Flame" trophy. 

The 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos include public servants from three key sectors, including the academe, military, and police sectors. 

The 10 Outstanding Filipinos awarded were teachers Ma. Ella Fabella and Franco Rino Apoyon; professors Dr. Maria Regina Hechanova-Alampay and Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava.

Philippine Navy (PN) SSG Michael Rayanon; and Philippine Army (PA) Major Ron Villarosa Jr.; PN Captain Salvador Sambalilo; Police Officers SSG Llena Sol-Josefa Jovita; Major Mark Ronan Balmaceda; and Lt.Col. Bryan Bernardino were also awarded. —LDF, GMA Integrated News